This particular Waitrose is one of my favourite in their chain group. It's not one of the largest, but what makes it stand out is the staff. Perhaps I should not use the word 'staff' and instead refer to them as a family. What impresses me most is the fact each and every member serving the public support both the customers as 'family.' Rather than reactive to shopper's requests they are proactive. (A trait seldom found in the retail community these days!). I also note with both fascination and professional respect that whenever I need to approach staff for something even if only a simple request of help in locating an item, the response has never once been 'okay,' or 'fine,' or the dreaded 'un huh;' instead I hear staff responses along the lines of 'it was my pleasure,' or 'we've been pleased to assist you today.' It's either from accelerated training, or a true professional commitment to serve. Howsoever it's occasioned this attitude stands out. And amidst an environment where there are three directly competing stores, this proactive commitment to service quality most assuredly stands out. Even my Curate, The Venerable Mr Piddles is always aware of the staff, when they greet him, or assist him in locating some of his more diverse food and treat items. We'll done Waitrose. Now, if we can only catch up on the stock issues, which I realise is not always the store's fault. Regardless, Mr Piddles gives you three wags, four 'woofs' and a few 'arf arf bark fart, arf bark barks' as his grading. I couldn't agree more!